The pair are charged with first-degree criminal abuse of a child under 12, second-degree wanton endangerment, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Hardin is also charged with tampering with physical evidence.

The charges stem from a nearly month-long investigation that started May 10 following a report of possible child abuse from the Kentucky Health and Family Services.

McCracken Detective Capt. Matt Carter said a 28-month-old boy was taken to an area hospital with multiple injuries, which prompted doctors to alert Family Services.

Due to the severity of the injuries, the toddler was then transferred to an out-of-state hospital.

Doctors at the hospital considered the number and severity of the injuries and determined the boy had endured "severe child abuse," the sheriff's department said.

After further investigation, warrants were issued for Hardin's and Sloan's arrests, and the couple turned themselves in to the sheriff's department.

According to testimony Carter gave at a bond hearing on Aug. 28, the toddler "sustained broken bones from head to toe," which included acute brain injuries, skull fractures, and brain swelling and bleeding, as well as fractures to both arms, broken ribs on both sides, a broken femur and a laceration to his lip that required sutures.

Carter also said doctors found evidence of healed fractures that may indicate child abuse.

During Wednesday's hearing, the prosecution stated some 3,200 pages of medical reports were recently received and asked for time to vet the documents and share the information with the defense.